10 Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
The use of a good setting powder is non-negotiable in your makeup regime, especially if you are makeup enthusiast. It is the best way to keep your makeup in place, no matter where you are or what you do! However, given the plethora of options available online, how can you know which product actually works for your oily skin?
Before you scour through online shopping sites to find the best setting powder for your oily skin, read our buying guide below to understand how to determine the best product for you. We've asked a professional makeup artist for help on it! Also, have a look at our list of 10 incredible setting powders that have earned our praise. Sacha Cosmetics' setting powder was our favorite since it helps control oil to leave your skin shine-free. Scroll down for some more suggestions!
Quick List - Top Setting Powders For Oily Skin
Airspun
Ultra-Lightweight Setting Powder for a Flawless, Shine-Free Finish
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- What Can a Setting Powder Do for Oily Skin?
- Natalya's Recommended Setting Powder for Oily Skin
- Tips to Know Before Using a Setting Powder
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have oily skin?
- Where should I apply setting powder?
- Perfect Your Look With These Products
- Amazon's Best Selling Face Powders
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe
What Can a Setting Powder Do for Oily Skin?
Setting powder is applied after your foundation. Apply just a few sweeps over your makeup to prevent moisture or oil from soaking your face! Setting powders are available in various colors to suit your skin tone. You can also find them in sheer or translucent forms.
Most people skip using a setting powder as they think they might alter the tint of the foundation. That's not true! Applying the right setting powder won't significantly change your makeup look. If you are a makeup minimalist, you can even just apply setting powder without the need for a foundation.
How to Choose Setting Powders For Oily Skin
A setting powder acts as a barrier and can improve how long your makeup lasts. It helps to lock down your look and improve the appearance of your skin, too. While foundation can turn greasy after a while, applying an oil-free setting powder on top of it keeps oil and moisture at bay. You'll have a shine-free, mattified look all day!
Consider Between a Tinted or Translucent Powder
Setting powders are available in either translucent or in lightly tinted forms. While tinted powders can be alluring due to their ability to brighten your face and hide marks, oily skin benefits the most from colorless translucent powders.
Tinted Powder Conceals Spots and Brightens Your Face
Tinted setting powders are available in many colors to match various skin tones. They can also alter the tint of your foundation when applied on top. You can find them in various levels of coverage, from light to medium to full, so choose a product based on how much of your natural skin tone or discoloration you would like to conceal.
Your makeup can stand out and appear thick after multiple touchups. But for those looking to conceal imperfections like wrinkles or fine lines, tinted powders can render an even and blemish-free facial tone. They also help correct your skin tone and can even replace your foundation.
If you want to keep your coverage flawless all-day, reapplication might be beneficial, too! In order to choose a tinted powder that works the best for you, make sure it looks similar to your skin tone. If you tend to use both setting powder and foundation, then pick a powder that's a close match to your foundation.
Translucent Setting Powder Absorbs Oils and Reduces Shine
Translucent setting powders suit every facial tone if blended well. They can control and prevent shine or oil on your face while giving an invisible finish to your makeup. Besides, they are lightweight and don’t appear thick, even after multiple touchups on your face throughout the day.
These setting powders are the best for those with oily skin. You can reapply the product as required without it making your face look shiny or smudged.
However, keep in mind that some translucent powders which contain silica might leave behind a white cast on your face. Silica can cause make-up flashbacks, too! If you have medium to dark skin tone, choose a translucent powder that doesn't contain silica.
Pick Between Pressed or Loose Forms
Setting powders are available mainly in pressed and loose forms. Pressed powders generally have a thicker texture, so they are not preferred by those with oily skin. Loose forms of setting powders are light, and the ones that come with oil control properties can prevent you from having makeup flashback in photos.
Pressed Powder Might Make Your Makeup Look Powdery
Pressed powders contain emollients such as silicone, oils, and wax to keep the products semi-solid and retain the texture. If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, pressed types might not suit you.
Besides, applying too much pressed powder can also make your makeup look cakey and thick. It's often not a wise idea to apply this type of product onto oily skin, as it makes makeup look thicker with every touchup. However, they’re easy to transport and virtually mess-free, so some people prefer this type.
A pressed powder is compacted with product and is used to set your foundation or as a base for your entire face to build coverage. For dry skin types, a pressed powder can look cakey if too much is applied. Pressed powders are great for applying mostly on skin that is healthy and is also great for touch-ups.
Applying too much pressed powder can give the skin a heavy look, so you only need a tiny bit to keep it from looking dry or cakey on the skin. Pressed powders are great for mature skin because they give you a lightweight coverage that won't set or crease in any fine lines.
Loose Powders Score Over Pressed Versions
Loose setting powders come with finer particles. Therefore, they can be difficult to transport, as careless handling can cause the particles to fly out and get messy.
However, since they give lightweight coverage on your face, they are a great option for those with oily skin. Thanks to the lightweight texture, this type of setting powder won't feel or look cakey once applied to the skin. Instead, it can blend effortlessly into the skin and can effectively conceal your imperfections.
Look for the Words “Non-Comedogenic” or “Oil-Free”
Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. So, look for a non-comedogenic formula, which means it is less likely to clog your facial pores.
An oil-free product is a good option as well. Oils such as mineral oil and coconut oil can potentially block your pores and trigger acne. But an oil-free setting powder is completely free of oil ingredients, so you won't have to worry about that!
Oily skin will also benefit from a setting powder with a mattifying effect. It won't make your skin look shiny or feel oily, but will leave your skin with a smooth, velvety finish.
Also, some setting powders are waterproof, so no matter how much moisture your face gets exposed to, your makeup stays intact. Try a waterproof product if you live in a very humid area where your makeup doesn’t seem to last that long without smudging!
Keep in Mind Ingredients That Benefit Your Skin
Some setting powders have nourishing ingredients, such as plant oils. Those with oily skin usually don't need a product with a lot of heavy moisturizers like coconut oil or soybean oil. However, it's still necessary to add moisture to your oily skin.
In fact, if your skin becomes dehydrated, the sebaceous glands in your skin will produce more sebum to counteract the dryness. And the overproduction of sebum will make your skin feel extra oily, block your pores, and cause acne. So look at customer reviews to make sure the setting powder doesn't overdry your skin.
Setting powders with lightweight moisturizers like aloe vera, glycerin, dimethicone, and vitamin E can keep your skin hydrated while not adding extra oiliness to the skin.
Pay Attention to Potential Irritants
You'll want to watch out for setting powders that contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. They mainly act as preservatives to lengthen the shelf life and do not cause a significant difference in the formula of the setting powder.
Although those ingredients are generally safe for most people, they can trigger allergic reactions to those with highly sensitive skin. Specifically, parabens might cause redness and breakouts. Phthalates might disrupt the endocrine system. Meanwhile, sulfates might block your pores and lead to acne.
Talc powder, which is used in many cosmetic products, could also be a concern for some as it may be processed with asbestos. While the FDA is working on releasing results on talc-containing cosmetics, you could consider looking for talc-free powders if your skin is sensitive.
10 Best Setting Powders For Oily Skin Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder | | Get a Shine-Free Look With This Setting Powder | |
2 | Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder | | A Powder to Smooth Imperfections for a Velvety Face | |
3 | Airspun Translucent Loose Face Powder | | Ultra-Lightweight Setting Powder for a Flawless, Shine-Free Finish | |
4 | Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder | | No More Makeup Smudging | |
5 | Wunder2 Perfect Selfie | | Mattifying Effect and Long-Lasting Staying Power | |
6 | Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder | | Oil-Absorbing Lightweight Formula for Acne-Prone Skin | |
7 | Maybelline New York Shine Free Oil-Control Loose Powder | | Suitable for All Skin Tones | |
8 | e.l.f High Definition Powder | | Excellent Oil-Controlling Properties | |
9 | L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Powder | | Great Coverage With No Cakey Feel or Appearance | |
10 | Neutrogena Loose Powder Foundation | | Hide Lines and Imperfections With a Bit of Tint |
Get a Shine-Free Look With This Setting Powder
This translucent setting powder has a matte finish to give your skin an even, oil-free look. Use it to set, highlight, bake, or touch up - your face will still show the shade of your foundation, but there will no shine all day long! This setting powder comes in two shades to suit the needs of light, medium, and dark skin tones.
Some buyers noted that the setting powder had a yellow tone that was more suited for those with a yellow undertone. Meanwhile, many liked it didn't cause flashbacks while taking photos or selfies under bright light. After using this setting powder, they also noticed that their skin looked soft and silky-smooth.
Buyers further added that the powder conceals their pores and fine lines pretty well. Some reviewers especially recommended this for medium to dark skin tones, as it doesn't leave a white cast. Others loved how it made their makeup look polished while keeping oil and shine under control.
A Powder to Smooth Imperfections for a Velvety Face
Enriched with talc, this Laura Mercier translucent powder helps absorb excess oil on your face to leave your skin looking smooth without visible lines or imperfections. It's lightweight, so you can wear it all day long without it making your face cakey or thick.
Wear on top of your foundation for a velvety face or wear it without foundation for a lightly tinted, natural appeal. Some users felt that it is drying on their skin. So if you have only mildly oily or combination skin, you may want to keep this in mind.
A lot of users loved how it baked and set their makeup. Some customers said that it stayed put without transferring or smudging for up to 12 hours. Most raved that it smoothed fine lines, instead of enhancing them like other products.
AirspunTranslucent Loose Face Powder
Ultra-Lightweight Setting Powder for a Flawless, Shine-Free Finish
Airspun Translucent Loose Face Powder features an exclusive microspun formula established in 1935, designed for ultra-lightweight, cloud-like softness. This talc-free powder offers a mattifying effect that smooths and softens the appearance of the skin, helping to hide fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used either as a foundation or to set makeup, providing a long-lasting, velvety finish without creasing or caking.
The powder helps absorb excess oil, ensuring a shine-free complexion throughout the day. The kind-to-skin formula won’t clog pores, making it ideal for everyday use. Available in several shades to match various skin tones, it blends seamlessly to provide a natural look. With its lightweight texture and ability to deliver a flawless finish, Airspun Loose Face Powder remains a trusted choice for achieving a smooth, polished appearance.
No More Makeup Smudging
Try Dermablend Professional's Loose Setting Powder if you are looking for an extended, mattified look without worrying about your makeup smudging or transferring. It's free from potential irritants like fragrance, phthalate, and triclosan. It's also non-comedogenic and is less likely to clog your pores.
Some users said the powder left an unwanted white tint on their skin. If you're looking for a tinted powder, you can also get this product in cool and warm-toned colors. No matter which shade you choose, be sure to blend thoroughly!
From retaining makeup to minimizing pores and controlling oil and shine, this setting powder impressed many users. Most loved how their makeup stayed all day without smudging or needing touchups!
Mattifying Effect and Long-Lasting Staying Power
This mattifying powder can extend your makeup's life with its lightweight formula and holding power. Besides great oil and shine control, it conceals the pores and fine lines to give you that ultimate photo-ready finish!
Some users complained that it left a white look on their skin. Other reviewers also felt that while it controlled oil well, it didn't perform as well in regards to locking down their makeup.
However, many users refuted these claims and commented that the product was one of the best for all types of skin tones. The coverage was subtle, but the outcome was rewarding for most! They further mentioned that their skin looked flawless after the application.
Oil-Absorbing Lightweight Formula for Acne-Prone Skin
This lightweight translucent setting powder absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of fine lines or pores. Apply a small quantity of the fine powder using the included soft velour puff for a shine-free finish made to last.
Some reviewers were unhappy with the texture of the product, saying it felt chalky or ended up clumping. Others wished it offered more of a matte finish.
Those who benefited the most were those with acne-prone skin. They were able to hide their acne well. Many reviewers also mentioned that the setting powder helped make their pores less noticeable. Plus, many users liked that it offered a shine-free, all-day finish without the use of talc!
Maybelline New YorkShine Free Oil-Control Loose Powder
Suitable for All Skin Tones
This lightly-tinted mattifying powder from Maybelline New York brings out a soft, clean, and shine-free face for hours. The powder is fine and glides smoothly on your face for an even finish! It doesn't over-dry your face, unlike most other oil-free powders.
Some users felt that this setting powder didn't perform well and settled into fine lines. A couple of reviewers with sensitive skin experienced allergic reactions after using this powder, so take caution if you have sensitive skin!
Although lightly-tinted, many user reviews indicated that the powder didn't alter the natural tone of their skin. There are a lot of reviews that raved about how well the product concealed their blemishes, lines, and pores. They also liked that it kept their makeup in place without having to do touchups all day.
Excellent Oil-Controlling Properties
This versatile powder can be worn alone or used to set your makeup. It masks fine lines and imperfections within a few seconds, and it gives a radiant glow to your face. It helps control oil, too! And being sheer, the formula suits all skin tones.
Some reviewers felt it left a white residue on their skin, while a few others complained that the coverage was too light. Some noted that there was no powder poof included in the package.
For those who complained of it leaving residues and a cakey feel, users recommended tapping off any excess product from the brush before applying! For many others, the powder's mattifying and long-lasting effects were pleasant surprises.
L'Oreal ParisInfallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Powder
Great Coverage With No Cakey Feel or Appearance
If you want a microfine powder to lock in your makeup and prevent shine or oil, this powder can be a great addition to your makeup arsenal. It sweeps smoothly on the face to hide pores and gives a matte finish! No matter how many touchups you do through the day, your face will still feel light and soft.
Some users complained that it was too white and left their faces looking pale. A couple of reviewers were also disappointed that it caused flashbacks.
However, many users raved about how light and feathery it felt on their faces! They added that it blended well into the skin and effectively minimized the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Reviewers with very oily skin had the best results. They loved the mattifying effect and the lasting wear it gave.
Hide Lines and Imperfections With a Bit of Tint
It comes with a mild tint and can work great if you are using it without foundation. However, some reviewers warned that the ivory colors had an orange tint and might not be suitable for those with fair skin. A few others said it didn't blend well into the skin.
Still, most users said they didn't experience the nightmare of tinted powder becoming cakey on their skin, despite doing multiple touchups throughout the day. Some even expressed satisfaction that it smoothed fine lines and pores without feeling heavy on their face.
Natalya's Recommended Setting Powder for Oily Skin
A new and upcoming powder that has been one of my go-tos in my kit is the One/Size Beauty ultimate blurring powder. This powder works for all skin types and adds a soft matte look that will last you all day. This setting powder is cruelty-free and vegan.
I have been using this on myself ever since this product was released and I now use it on my clients because I feel in love with the finish. I like to apply this under the eye with a beauty blender and set the rest with a fluffy round brush.
Tips to Know Before Using a Setting Powder
It’s a no-brainer that oily skin doesn’t need any added shine or oil. Before you apply setting powder, make sure your foundation is free of oil and shine as well. A matte finish is often a good choice for oily skin!
Use a good blending brush to make the foundation feel smoothed into your skin. Before the foundation is dry, use a powder puff or a flat brush to press the setting powder into your skin so your makeup stays put all day long.
If in doubt, a professional makeup consultant can help you choose a foundation and setting powder that suits your facial tone. If possible, go for a foundation and setting powder from the same company to ensure they blend well, no matter how much you reapply.
Make sure the skin is prepped and moisturized before adding a powder. If you have dry skin, you want to make sure you do not over powder the face or it will attract the texture and show the dryness of the skin.
Before considering which bases you will be working with, you should know what condition your skin is in. Skin that is in good shape will generally have an even surface and have a smoother application. Skin that is dry will be more likely to have an uneven application and may need more focus on a certain area when applying.
A skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating will help maintain the skin in a healthy state so you do not have to deal with texture or redness.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about setting powders for oily skin.
How do I know if I have oily skin?
"Oily skin has excess natural oils and can make your skin seem greasy or shiny. Oily skin can have skin concerns such as large pores and blackheads due to the oil clogging your skin," Natalya explains.
"Oily skin is more prone to acne, but caring for the skin can be tricky. You do not want to add more oil to the oily skin, but you do still need to add moisture. Oily skin can make your makeup 'slide off' if not set properly. Skin that is oily needs more attention to remove oily residue. If the skin prep is not done properly for oily skin, the excess oil will not allow the base to adhere to the skin."
Where should I apply setting powder?
Natalya told us, "A setting powder has a blurring effect on the skin. It is a must to set the skin everywhere you applied your liquid or cream foundation to deliver a staying powder to make the skin feel smooth and matte. A setting powder can blur imperfections and sets the makeup controlling oily skin types.
A setting powder can be placed mainly at the center of the face and blended outwards to set the whole face, starting at the center of the forehead, chin, and under the eyes. Set the T-zone for oily skin to protect the makeup from melting. You can give your final look with a dust over the whole face but you want to avoid over powdering which can cause a cakey look and settling in fine lines."
Perfect Your Look With These Products
No matter how good your foundation and setting powder are, a few other essentials are often needed to complete your makeup! Well, we have some recommendations to help you achieve your desired look. Once you're done flaunting that look, use a good makeup remover to give your face its much-deserved freedom.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Setting Powders For Oily Skin
No. 1: Sacha Cosmetics｜Buttercup Setting Powder
No. 2: Laura Mercier｜Loose Setting Powder
No. 3: Airspun｜Translucent Loose Face Powder
No. 4: Dermablend Professional｜Loose Setting Powder
No. 5: Wunder2｜Perfect Selfie
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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